NBA

Davis' big night helps Pelicans end 6-game skid, beat Bulls

ABS-CBN Sports on Nov 08, 2018 11:34 AM

New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) tries to block a shot by Chicago Bulls forward Jabari Parker (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

By Brett Martel, Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Anthony Davis had 32 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks in his best game since spraining his right elbow nearly two weeks ago, and the New Orleans Pelicans ended a six-game skid with a 107-98 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night (Thursday, PHL time).

After missing four of his first five shots, Davis hit his next eight, including two triples and a two-handed reverse alley-oop jam, while on his way to his first 30-plus point game since New Orleans beat the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 23 (Oct. 24, PHL time).

Jrue Holiday had 17 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists while being guarded primarily by brother Justin. Julius Randle and Wesley Johnson each scored 12 points for New Orleans.

Although Chicago had won its previous game, both teams had largely struggled lately and the game got sloppy at times. New Orleans committed 15 turnover and Chicago 12.

Davis' strong second quarter helped the Pelicans take 58-50 lead into halftime and New Orleans never trailed again, going up by as many as 18 late in the third quarter before Chicago rallied to trim its deficit back to single digits in the final minutes.

LaVine's 30-foot three cut New Orleans' lead to 94-88 with less than six minutes to go. But the Bulls never got closer.

Holiday blocked a shot, hit a turnaround fade from 12 feet and added a couple free throws to help put the Pelicans up by nine with 1:30 left and New Orleans held on from there.

Pelicans: Elfrid Payton missed his sixth straight game with a right ankle injury. Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said the club was hopeful the starting point guard would be ready to return for New Orleans next game. ... Nikola Mirotic's recent long-range slump continued. He went 1-for-8 from three, making him 10 of his last 43 from deep. He finished with nine points. ... New Orleans had 32 assists on 42 made field goals. ... The Pelicans outrebounded the Bulls 55-46. ... Darius Miller hit 3-of-4 triples and finished with 11 points. ... Holiday eclipsed 2,000 career assists with his fifth of the game. ... New Orleans has committed 103 turnovers in its last six games.